Following the Lagos edition that got everyone talking, the auditions for the Next Afrobeats Star set Abuja and Port Harcourt agog recently.
Indeed, the contestants that showed up at the two cities were not only talented; they were also marvelous and ready to go.
Aliyu Abdullahi kicked off the auditions in Abuja with a performance that had “star quality” written all over it. A whole package – smooth vocals, confidence and stage control. The judges didn’t think twice before handing him a Golden Mic.
From there, the momentum shifted. MaryClara Odogwu and Eke Chisom took turns to remind everyone that Abuja was ready to go toe-to-toe with Lagos. Both earned three ‘Yeses’ each with voices that carried both fire and feeling.
One of the most touching moments, however, came from 26-year-old Chinedu Joseph Okonkwo. He had potential written all over him but nerves got in the way. His voice trembled a bit, and the notes didn’t land where they should. Yet, when he said: “I really needed this,” you could feel it. Despite the ‘Nos’, the judges’ encouraging words lit up his face, a reminder that even in tough moments, passion speaks louder than perfection.
Then came 27-year-old Pelumi Afolabi, who promised to bring his A-game forward, and truly he did. His delivery was sharp, his energy contagious, and his vocals… Well, just ask the judges who described it in one word: “Great!” Pelumi walked away with a Golden Mic, a grin and probably a few new fans.
When 20-year-old Ebormah Marvellous Osinachi from Delta State stepped up, he didn’t just sing, he told a story. His song was about winning for his friends too. It was the kind of performance that felt like sunshine, and a promise of the Golden Mic, which he got.
From there, the energy was unstoppable. Jessie Ekagbo, 27, all the way from Benue, performed with precision, skill and versatility. The judges couldn’t resist awarding him a Golden Mic.
After Jessie came 20-year-old Methuselah Giwa, who brought the kind of energy that made the judges feel like they were in the presence of a future superstar.
“That was fire!” a judge said, as he earned three ‘Yeses’ and a moment that marked him as one to watch.
Just when we thought Abuja had peaked, David Samson showed up. The name fits. His performance was layered with creativity, rhythm, and swagger that could make even a tired room jump.
At the end, the judges were on their feet, and a standing ovation shook the venue. It was less of a performance and more of a declaration: David Samson isn’t just another contestant; he’s the next big thing!
Next was Port Harcourt, the treasure base of rhythm, soul and raw vocal power. The city had one of the most unforgettable moments of the auditions – a 21-year-old visually impaired contestant, TamunoBelema Ada Allison from Bonny Island, whose voice carried both depth and grace.
His performance was pure soul, heartfelt, haunting, and the kind of music that lingers long after the final note. The judges were visibly moved, offering him praise that was as genuine as his sound.
Rounding things off was 28-year-old Victor Chinedum Iphy, whose performance radiated confidence and warmth. When he received his Golden Mic, he picked up his phone to share the news with his girlfriend, and that little moment of love and excitement became one of the sweetest parts of the episode.
The journey to a ₦150 million music deal continues, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Who deserves to be crowned the Next Afrobeats Star? Nigerians can’t wait to find out.